Improvement in toy blocks



H. FAIRBANKS.

Tuy-Blocks.

No.135,417. Patentedreb.4,1a7s.

GRAPH/c co Mx (ossaR/va'f Peacfss) E @ACD UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HENRY EAIEBANKs, oF sT. JoHNsEUEY, VERMONT.

IMPROVEMENT IN TOV BLOCKS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. l 35,417, dated February 4, 1873.

1o all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY FAIEBANKs, of St. J ohnsbury, Caledonia county, Vermont, have invented certain Improvements relating to Toy Blocks, of Which the following is a specitication My invention gives capacity for varying the positions of the parts relatively to each ,other indefinitely, by changing their angular relations, and contributes in a high degree to the development of intellect and of constructive skill While amusing the child.

I provide the blockswith cylindrical projections and corresponding holes tting each other with tolerable tightness. By thrusting the projections or tenons into the holes or sockets the blocks may be connected together in a great variety of positions. Use or change will cause some to fit tighter than others, and, the blocks being distinguished by colors and letters, as usual, this fact tends to further increase the varied capacities oi' a set of blocks. I provide some blocks in a round form adapted to serve as rollers or Wheels.

The following is a description of what I consider the best means of carrying out the invention.

The accompanying drawing forms a part of this specification.

Figure l is an isometrical view, showing a number ofthe blocks joined in one of the number of Ways in which it is possible to arrange them. The circular blocks, having large holes in their centers, are applied and pinned in place on other blocks in the set so as to form Wheels. The succeeding views are face views of certain blocks detached. Figs. 2 and 3 are circular blocks with circular holes. Fig. 4 is a long block with a cylindrical tenon at each r end adapted to match tightly in any of the small or ordinary round holes in any of the other blocks, and to hold tightly therein, allowing'adjustinent at au indefinite number of angles; this block has similar holes. Fig. 5

is a shorter straight block. Fig. 6 is a still shorter; and Fig. 7 is so short that its body is square. All have round tenons except the circular blocks. The block shown in Fig. 4 has in addition partially-rounded portions adapted to tit loosely in the large holes in some ofthe circular blocks, and has holes adapted to receive small pins or nails to hold the blocks and allow them to turn.

Similar letters of reference indicate correspondin g parts in all the gures.

A A, &c., are the blocks,`and a a cylindricposition in the part a2 is adapted to receive/f small pins D, and these secure theblocl(s'2 to serve as Wheels. The blocks A1 and A2 have also other holes, B, serving the ordinary function. They may receive the tenons of the small blocks indefinitely.

I propose to make the blocks of sound and Well-seasoned Wood, thoroughly saturated by boiling in linseed-oil, or otherwise suitably preparing, so as to avoid shrinking and swell- 1n g.

It is important that the holes B or tenons a be evenly spaced on the straight blocks so that when short blocks are interposed between a pair of long ones they will match accurately. The holes in the Wheels or rollers A1 A2 should also be carefully spaced, so that they will match accurately in any position.

I claim as a new article ot' blocksl. The within-described toy composed of rectangular blocks A, each having circular' mortises B.` and corresponding circular tenons a. adapted to match together in varied. relations, substantially as herein speciiied.

2. In combination With toy blocks A having roundv tenons a., the round blocks A1 A2 having central holes, and adapted to serve therewith, as herein specified.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 7th day of December, 1872, in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

HENRY FAIRBANKS. Witnesses: l T. FAIEBANKS,

R. B. PAGE. 

